I was Monty's double

[BSchneiderFan]

So we all know the rumours about JPM going to McLaren for 2005. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that it's a bargaining tool at Williams and that he'll stay put. But if he does leave, who replaces him at Williams?

Giancarlo Fisichella? Known to be admired by Sir Frank, and desperate for a chance to prove himself in a top team, so he'd be cheap, of which Sir Frank and patrick heartily approve.

Mark Webber? Almost an ideal Williams-style driver; honest, straightforward, no-nonsense and bloody quick, with proven leadership skills and development ability. He might almost BE Alan Jones, and we know how high AJ stands in the Williams pantheon. Could be tied in to Jaguar, though, and Williams won't spend cash buying out a contract.

Antonio Pizzonia? Highly rated by Williams as a test driver, and Sir Frank was deeply surprised by how soundly Webber spanked him at Jaguar. Perhaps a race seat at Williams (and, again, he'd be cheap) would recapture his sparkle.

Bruno Junqueira? So, so nearly became a Williams driver in 2000, losing out to Button, he knows the team from his testing days and is going increasingly well in CART. By 2005 he could easily be the reigning champion, and Williams have had some success with ex-CART champs (Montoya, Villeneuve) though also some disappointments (Zanardi).

Jenson Button? If BAR continues to disappoint, JB may get itchy feet, and 2000 remains his best season to date. An opportunity for Williams to recapture Mansellmania with an English driver heading for the championship? Button's a more complete and assured driver than he was in 2000, and could do well for Sir Frank.

Outside bet: David Coulthard??? Ah, it was all so easy once. Propelled into F1 by Ayrton Senna's untimely demise, DC was blindingly quick almost out of the box in 1994 and 1995 (give or take the odd rookie mistake). Then he went off to McLaren, and, although the wins still came, the complete package somehow never came together. But he remains fast. Perhaps he needs a change of scenery to rekindle his spark?

[Adam43]

Montoya is the favourite out of that lot.

If not him I don't think it'll be any of the above. I'm not sure who, but Frank has time to decide.

[Mattracer]

I voted Mark Webber.

Of the candidates you propose, he is the most suitable.

Even, calm temperament, technical awareness and sure-footedness mark him as a future prospect. A couple of podiums would cement him as a coming hot-prospect.

[Mattracer]

Provided JPM goes to McLaren that is.

[twig]

Hugo Hakkinen for me. Although he is about 4 years old, chosing him would be as sensible as these rumours are.

[BSchneiderFan]

He can't have much less racing experience than Marko Asmer.

[Smokey 6 litre]

DC's career is over, he'll never win a championship and he'll find it harder to score points with the younger driver maturing, no chance he'll go to Willaims.
I would hope for a British Driver to take his place, Jenson Button deserves to go back.

[JR Ewing]

If JPM does switch it will be VILLENEUVE.

[ralf fan]

How come Alonso is'nt on the list?

[Mattracer]

Maybe because he'll go to Ferrari when MS retires along with Massa??

[BSchneiderFan]

Originally posted by JR Ewing
If JPM does switch it will be VILLENEUVE.

I would be, to paraphrase Stephen Fry, more astonished than a man who believes that Hilaire Belloc is still alive if Villeneuve went to Williams. Quite apart from the fact that it looks like JV will have to sit out 2004 (or go somewhere other than F1), I've seen nothing for years now to suggest that he'd be worth employing by a top team. He's shop-soiled, used goods. I don't think Sir Frank would touch him with a ten-metre cattle prod.

[Suzy]

Originally posted by twig
Hugo Hakkinen for me. Although he is about 4 years old, chosing him would be as sensible as these rumours are.

Start of 2005 will make Hugo four years old. And he has got his own race seat already which the team made for him when he was born. And he's got a little Mercedes racing car in Mika's garage.

I think he's a natural for the job

[JR Ewing]

FW loves JV...

[jetsetter]

If JPM does move on for 2005 i think Webber will be his replacement.

[kdr]

Originally posted by JR Ewing
FW loves JV...

he'll still be at minardi in 2005.

[JR Ewing]

not that JV you dolt.

[ralf fan]

Originally posted by Mattracer
Maybe because he'll go to Ferrari when MS retires along with Massa??

We dont know that for a fact.

Alonso will be perfect for Williams,he's young a lot of years ahead of him,and ofcourse he's damn quick.Hes got mental toughness, doesnt crack under pressure. Lead the Gp as though hes been winning for years. Perfect guy for a championship fight!!
Williams will be looking at Alonso with interest i'm sure,but so will all the other teams.

If not ALonso then it has to be Webber

[Laagri]

1. I hope Montoya stays put.
2. I think his replacement should be Fisichella or, perhaps, Webber.
3. I think his replacement will be Button.

(And please note that, despite where I live, I didn't mention Asmer. Oops, I just did. Oh well, never mind!)

[Jordi]

I think the chance of Villeneuve coming back is much much bigger than the chance of Coulthard coming back...

[Mattracer]

But really, in the honest dept, neither of them will.

[f1manoz]

JPM won't be going anywhere. And it appears that this poll seems to think Ralf will be staying put. I don't think he's 100% certain of staying either.

Of the names likely to be replacements for either, Mark Webber would be a good choice, Fisichella would be the sentimental favourite, just so he'd finally get a top car.

I think the rest are outsiders, though Junky and Button are always a chance given their history with the Williams team.

[RWC]

DC!! Definitely it'll be DC,WHOO HOOOOO!!!
Sarcasm of course

Allthough i do aprove of your sense of humour including him,LOL!

[BSchneiderFan]

Perhaps, after a creditable showing at Monza, I should have included Marc Gene in the list.

[Snrub]

Other than Gene I don't think anyone on the list is a likely replacement for JPM. Exceptions: I guess Webber is certainly possible (he has the ability). Possibly Bruno, but I don't think he's that great.

IMO it would be silly to leave Williams. If there are big personal problems then maybe, but it wouldn't make sense otherwise.

[MichaelH]

it has to be Hugo Hakinen, in a couple of years time 4 year old drivers will be the next "big thing", the lack of communication never hurt Raikkonens prospects of getting into F1, nor did being a toddler. So easy choice really.

Being serious, Webber is the only remotely likely option aside from JPM himself.